The London Breeze Film Festival (LBFF) officially launched at Battersea Power Station on 11 October to an audience of film enthusiasts seeking to celebrate excellence in the medium.
Formerly known as the Barnes Film Festival, the LBFF was attended by industry veterans, actors and award-winning filmmakers and BAFTA members.
Self-described as a ‘breath of fresh air on the international film festival circuit’, the LBFF seeks to recognise and promote emerging talent in the film and TV industry and has previously partnered with Film4 and Mubi.
Patrons include celebrated industry figures such as Stanley Tucci, Vanessa Redgrave, Steven Moffat, George Mackay, and Director of Film4, Daniel Battsek.
Speaking at the launch of the LBFF, Festival Director Sam Cullis said: ‘’It’s the fulfilment of our goal to expand the festival to more communities across the capital.
‘’To reach new audiences, provide a larger platform to showcase emerging filmmakers and support the newest generations of storytelling and creative expression through our expansion of events, skills workshops, industry sessions, discussions and more.
‘’Our goal over the next five years is to become both a BAFTA and Oscar qualifying festival which would allow our winning films and filmmakers to be considered for designated categories in these two prestigious award competitions.’’
Announcements at the event included a new industry branch to the festival alongside a teaser for Filmmakers Lab, a long-term project for LBFF to educate and mentor upcoming generations of filmmakers.
Also featured were two short film programmes curated separately by LBFF Creative Director Alexa Bailey and the LBFF’s headline sponsor Waterbear Networks.
After the screening, guests were invited to the exclusive Members Bar for an after-party of drinks and networking.
The LBFF is next due to launch in October 2024 but the organization is planning a programme of events to celebrate and promote cinema year-round.
For more information please contact Sam Cullis on 07969 594365 or [email protected]
Featured Image Credit: Charles Kershaw
